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2.16.2013

Hot Well Dunes

I was so excited about getting to the hot wells; although, I'm not sure why because had just left Big Bend NP, which had gorgeous water. I guess it was the excitement of a new landscape and the promise of a wilderness setting. When we turned off I10 towards Bowie, there wasn't anything around. I carefully followed the directions and soon saw signs for our destination - Hot Well Dunes 19 miles. The first 3 miles were good, and there were miles and miles of pecan trees.

Pecan trees on the way to Hot Well Dunes

But soon there was a sign that said, "pavement ends", and that is exactly what it meant; only it should have also said, "no maintenance proceed slowly". We continued on this road for 8 miles and at several points I thought about turning around. John was driving about 2 miles an hour to keep from shaking everything upside down, and the 19 mile trip turned into a 45 minute drive.

Wash board road - rv in the upper left.

About 8 miles from the dunes, we turned onto a paved road, and could speed up a bit - 45 miles an hour. When we arrived, we were treated by the following two signs and a wonderful little walking path around a desert oasis.

Fees are $3.00 a night or $1.50 with access pass.

Fees are $3.00 a night or $1.50 with access pass.

A lot of diversity in habitats here.

We pulled into "site" number six, and were happy to find a nice picnic table and a real fire ring with dry wood all around. Later that night John made a red hot fire that turned into beautiful smoldering embers. It is hard to tell but there are rolling dunes throughout the entire area.

Our camp in the middle of the dunes.

We hurried with our late lunch and headed for the hot wells, which I have to say were a bit of a disappointment after having spent several days at the hot springs in Big Bend. But it was warm, and the sun was setting over Mt. Graham, making it a perfect way to end a day on the road. The kids had fun in the wells, and we were the only ones there most of the time.

The hot wells, there are two exactly alike, at sunset.

The hot wells, there are two exactly alike, at sunset.

Because it was the middle of Feb. the nights still got pretty cold - I think it was around freezing, and we awoke to a hard frost everywhere, which made the desert landscape sparkle. Hanna also noticed that our swim suits, which we laid out to dry, we're light as a feather and stiff as a board :)

Hanna showing off the flat swimsuits.

I had only allowed for one nights stay here, and now I am wishing we would have allowed more. There was lots to explore, and we could have easily spent three or four nights, and then maybe I wouldn't have been so disappointed about the road/ride getting out there. On the back to I10, Mt. Graham was straight in front of us with it's snow covered peaks, and although there was not a single cloud over us, there was a cluster of clouds holding close to it's peak. It was a majestic view to behold.

Mt. Graham as we were leaving. Snow on the peaks and clouds surrounding it.

John and I both agreed we would come back to Hot Well Dunes with our next camper - a toy hauler and some toys to ride the dunes.